Anime has gained a somewhat taboo connotation, which can make it difficult for people who would like to start watching.
There are many things that can turn people off from watching anime, including the subtitles, the animation, and the sometimes over-the-top storylines.
A lot of the time, anime is also seen as lewd or pornographic, which is usually an entirely different thing altogether.
There are many great "beginner" shows out there for people who may be interested in seeing what it's all about without having to deep-dive into some of the less mainstream anime.
Death Note
This was the very first anime I watched, so what better "beginner" anime to recommend to others?
The story line is interesting and easy to follow, and you will be looking forward to what happens next at the end of each episode. Just stay away from the Netflix live-action remake (it's not good).
Naruto
Everyone knows Naruto. I even watched a few episodes here and there as a kid. It's an interesting story that kids and adults can both appreciate. It's a great, familiar anime for beginners.
One Punch Man
I wasn't sure if I liked this anime at first because I didn't quite understand the deadpan humor.
Once it starts to grow on you, this will be one of the funniest shows you will watch. I watched the entire first season in one weekend, so it is definitely one I recommend.
Noragami
Noragami was also one of the first few anime I ever watched, and it is still my all-time favorite.
The story is cute and interesting and left me wanting a season 3. I would recommend this show to anime lovers and newbies alike.
Hunter x Hunter
This is also a very familiar show for many.
There is an abundance of episodes in this series, which just came to an end in 2014 (though the writer announced a comeback just last year). It also has a quite compelling storyline, and it is hard to stop watching.
Cowboy Bebop
This is not an anime I have yet seen, but I have heard of many non-anime watchers who absolutely love it. It is widely known as a great beginner anime, and I look forward to seeing it myself.
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
This is also an anime I haven't had the chance to watch, but I have seen many clips from the show and have heard it referenced many times before. It is also one I look forward to watching!
Danganronpa
This anime is based on a popular video game franchise and has a very interesting and thrilling storyline. I would describe this show as "Big Brother" meets "Clue" and would also recommend it to anybody.
Death Parade
My favorite thing about this anime is the concept behind it.
It answers the question "what happens after you die?" in a very interesting way. It is a short series that is thought-provoking and fun to watch.
Fairy Tail
I have had this anime recommended to me by many people as well, though I have only seen a few episodes myself. It seems to be a cute story that is easy to watch.
It has many fantasy elements, but it doesn't take them too far. It is another show that will keep you occupied for quite some time.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
This is a very popular anime that is still airing today. It has also been recommended to me by many people, though it might not be a great "first".
This is a show that will take you some time to get through, but it seems to get better with every season. It is action-packed and the fights involve a lot of strategies. It is also fun to watch the new episodes as they come out!
Spirited Away
The last two anime on this list are actually movies by a very popular animation studio, Studio Ghibli. This studio produces some of my favorite movies I have ever seen, animated or not.
I watched Spirited Away over a decade ago, and it is a movie I never forgot. The animation is incredible and the characters are some of the best. Again, this is an anime I would recommend to anyone.
Howl's Moving Castle
This is another movie anime that is also one of my favorite movies of all times.
I would usually recommend watching anime with subtitles, though the Studio Ghibli films, in particular, have great Dubs (English voice-overs), that are great for those just getting into anime who aren't a fan of subtitles (which was me).
Though this is not a comprehensive list, it contains a great handful of anime for those beginners who never knew what to start out watching.
Anime is an interesting type of film/television that is like nothing I have ever seen.
The storylines are incredible as well as the animation (most of the time).
Once you get started, I promise you won't want to stop. I am constantly looking for a great new anime to watch, and I hope this inspires some to get into it as well!
